Can You Get a Mortgage with a Second Job?

Taking on a second job is one of the most common ways people boost their savings and improve mortgage affordability. Whether it’s evening shifts, weekend work, or a side hustle that’s become a reliable income stream, the extra money can make a real difference when you’re saving for a deposit or trying to stretch your borrowing power.

But here’s the catch: lenders don’t always treat second job income the same as your main salary. They want to know it’s sustainable, realistic, and not just something you’ve taken on temporarily to “tick the box” for a mortgage.

At Strive, we’ve helped thousands of people — from first-time buyers to company directors — navigate complex income setups. We know exactly which lenders are flexible with second jobs, which ones want six months of proof, and how to package your case so it gets approved.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about getting a mortgage with two jobs — including how long you need to be in your role, how lenders calculate income, and how things work if you’re on a zero-hours or contract basis.

How Long Do You Need to Have a Second Job for a Mortgage?

Most lenders want to see at least 6 months of consistent income from your second job before they’ll include it in affordability calculations.

That said, there are exceptions:

• Less than 6 months but a clear track record – e.g. if you left one role for another similar one, some lenders will take a pragmatic view.
• Two part-time jobs – if your hours are stable and reasonable, lenders may accept both incomes, even if one is newer.
• No set minimum – certain lenders technically don’t have a policy on how long you’ve held a second job, but it’s always subject to underwriter discretion.

So while “6 months” is a good rule of thumb, common sense and case-by-case assessment play a big role.

Do I Need 6 Months in My Second Job?

In most cases, yes — but there’s wiggle room.

For example:

• If you’ve just started a second job but have a long history in the same industry, some lenders may be more flexible.
• If you’re combining two part-time jobs into a sustainable income, underwriters may still consider it.
• If your second job is in a family business, lenders usually want to see at least 6 months (sometimes longer) to make sure the income is genuine and consistent.

Bottom line? It depends on the lender and how strong the rest of your profile is.you start offering.

How Do Lenders Treat Different Types of Second Jobs?

Not all second jobs are created equal. The type of contract matters:

• Permanent PAYE roles – most straightforward, usually accepted after 6 months (sometimes 3).
• Zero-hours contracts – lenders often want to see 12 months of history to prove the income is reliable, because hours can vary.
• Contractors – often need longer track records, typically 12+ months in the same field, or proof of continuous renewals.
• Family business roles – lenders will want at least 6 months’ payslips and will often look closely at whether the arrangement is genuine.
• Temporary roles – much harder, as lenders prefer permanent positions unless there’s a very strong history in the same line of work.

Lender Criteria for Second Job Income

Here’s how some of the big lenders approach second jobs:

• Halifax, HSBC, Barclays – no official minimum policy. They can technically accept less than 6 months, but it comes down to underwriter judgement. Usually, 3 months is a practical benchmark.
• Nationwide, NatWest, Santander, Skipton – want at least 6 months in the second role.
• Virgin, Coventry, Bank of Ireland, West Brom – stricter at 12 months minimum.

Why do most lenders ask for 6–12 months? Because they want to be sure the second job isn’t just a short-term fix to get a mortgage. They’ll also check your hours and commute to make sure it’s realistic long-term.

How is Second Job Income Calculated?

The good news: if your second job income is accepted, most lenders will take 100% of it into account — as long as it’s a basic salary.

Things like overtime, commission, or bonuses from a second job may be treated more cautiously (often only partially included).

So if you’re earning, say, £25,000 from your main job and £10,000 from your second, lenders may use the full £35,000 as your income for affordability calculations.

How Much Can I Borrow With Two Jobs?

Typically, lenders offer around 4.5 to 5 times your income. With two jobs included, that can make a big difference.

For example:

• Main job £30,000 + second job £8,000 = £38,000 total.
• At 4.5x, you could borrow up to £171,000.
• At 5x, that’s £190,000.

Certain clients may even qualify for 5.5x or 6x income, especially if they’re high earners or first-time buyers using professional or enhanced affordability schemes.

👉 Read more here: Mortgages for Professionals

Can First-Time Buyers Use Second Job Income?

Yes, absolutely. There’s no restriction on first-time buyers — the same rules apply. If your income is sustainable and you’ve been in the second role long enough (usually 6 months), it can be included.

What If I’m Self-Employed and Have a Second Job?

It gets a little more complex, but it’s still possible.

Most lenders want:

• 1–2 years’ self-employed accounts plus
• 6 months in your employed second job.

This combination proves both incomes are genuine and sustainable. It can be a great way to boost your affordability if you’re self-employed but have also taken on stable PAYE work.

Why Using a Broker Matters

Not all lenders are equal when it comes to second jobs. Some are flexible, others are strict, and a few won’t consider them at all.

At Strive, we:

• Know which lenders accept second job income with less than 6 months’ history.
• Present your case to underwriters in the best possible light.
• Explore whether waiting a few months will open up more (and cheaper) options.
• Save you from wasted applications and rejections.

Final Word: Getting a Mortgage with a Second Job

Having a second job is a fantastic way to save for a deposit and increase your borrowing power. But lenders want reassurance: they’ll check how long you’ve had the role, whether the hours are realistic, and if the income is sustainable.

If you’ve been in your second job for at least 6 months, you’ll usually have plenty of options. Less than that? It’s trickier, but not impossible.

👉 At Strive, we’ve helped thousands of buyers get mortgages using income from two jobs — even in complex situations. If you’d like to see your options, get in touch and we’ll guide you through every step.